The Bridge Builders Forum
The Bridge Builders Forum Podcast helps Jews and Christians better understand their faith, the Bible, and each other.
Each episode features individuals and perspectives that foster mutual enrichment and the goodness we can bring to our communities and the world when there is a bridge, rather than a gulf, between Jews and Christians.
The Bridge Builders Forum
Christians Building Trust in Israel: A Conversation with Tommy Waller
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How does a Christian from the hills of Tennessee end up building one of the most respected Christian service organizations in Israel?
In this episode of Bridge Builders Forum, Ryan Lambert sits down with Tommy Waller, founder of HaYovel, to discuss the remarkable story of how a family from rural Tennessee became deeply involved in serving Israeli farmers and building relationships with the Jewish people in Israel and around the world.
For years, Tommy, his wife Sherri, and the Waller family have mobilized thousands of Christians from around the world to volunteer in Israel through vineyard work, agricultural service, and practical acts of friendship. But this conversation is about much more than farming. It is about trust, reconciliation, and what it looks like for Christians to build meaningful relationships with Jewish people.
Tommy shares the origin story of HaYovel, the challenges of earning trust in Israel, the growth of the organization, and the impact of October 7th on both his family and the work they have devoted their lives to. He also reflects on the role of the Waller family in this mission, the next generation’s involvement through projects such as Israel Lighthouse for the Nations and The Israel Guys, and the lessons he has learned from decades of relationship-building.
The conversation concludes with Tommy’s thoughts on rising antisemitism, growing hostility toward Israel, practical ways Christians can become bridge-builders in their own communities, and the reasons he remains hopeful about the future of Jewish-Christian relationships.
Whether you are passionate about Israel, interested in Jewish-Christian relations, or simply looking for an inspiring story of faithfulness and service, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Learn more about HaYovel: https://www.hayovel.com
Learn more about The Israel Guys: https://theisraelguys.com/
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